abjection
/æb'dʤekʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A state of extreme degradation, humiliation, or misery: "Abjection" refers to a condition of being cast down, devoid of dignity, or in a state of utter wretchedness. It often implies a loss of self-respect or social standing.
- The state of being abject: It denotes the quality or condition of being extremely poor, miserable, or contemptible.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The novel explores the themes of poverty and abjection in the urban slums.
- His betrayal of his principles led to his moral abjection.
- She felt a profound sense of abjection after the public humiliation.
Advanced Usage
- In literary or critical theory: "Abjection" is a concept used to describe that which is radically excluded from a system, such as bodily waste or things that disturb identity and order. The abject provokes both horror and fascination.
- Julia Kristeva's theory of abjection examines the human reaction to what threatens the distinction between self and other.
Variants and Related Words
- Abject (adj): Extremely bad, unpleasant, and degrading; showing a lack of self-respect.
- They lived in abject poverty.
- Abjectly (adv): In an extremely unhappy, poor, or frightened way.
- He apologized abjectly for his mistake.
Synonyms
- Degradation: The condition of being lowered in character, quality, or status.
- Humiliation: The action of making someone feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and pride.
- Wretchedness: The state of being extremely unhappy or unfortunate.
- Baseness: A lack of moral principles; bad character.
Antonyms
- Dignity: The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect.
- Elevation: The action or fact of raising to a higher state or position.
- Nobility: The quality of being noble in character, mind, birth, or rank.
Related Phrases and Concepts
- State of abjection: A common phrase emphasizing the condition itself.
- The refugees were living in a state of complete abjection.
- To sink into abjection: To decline or fall into a state of misery and lowliness.
- After losing his job and family, he sank into abjection.
Noun
- a low or downcast state
- each confession brought her into an attitude of abasement- H.L.Menchken